Wash the rice several times under running water & soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain the water completely from the rice. Heat the ghee & add the bayleaf, cloves, cinnamon & cardamom. When you get an aroma of the spices add the rice & fry till it turns opaque. Pour 4 cups of boiling water & add 2 tsps. of salt. Cover cook on low heat for 10 minutes. Keep the rice undisturbed for 10 minutes more. Add the fried onions & cashews to the cooked rice & mix.